Published: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11:54 p.m.

DAYTONA BEACH -- It appears one of the area's top prep football players will be wearing a different jersey next season.

Trevaughn Rodriguez (5-10, 175), a first-team News-Journal All-Area tailback for Seabreeze in 2012, said he plans to attend Mainland and play for the Buccaneers next season. Rodriguez, who said he currently lives in Mainland's district, said he enrolled at the school at 2 p.m. Friday.

“I have been thinking about transferring somewhere since last year," Rodriguez said. “My friends in New Smyrna wanted me to come there, and I had been thinking about that. But I wouldn't be able to see my daughter daily. This way, I can still see my daughter, and I can still see them.

“The main reason why is I just needed a big change in my life,” he said. “I want a positive change, and I think being around positive people will make me a positive person. My best friend, Dwayne Copeland, plays for Mainland. I know he has my back, and he is going to push me hard. And I know Mainland football will push me extra hard. Going to Mainland, the way they train, I feel like they will make me five times better.”

Rodriguez said he informed Seabreeze head coach Marc Beach of his decision.

Beach said Friday morning that he did not want to comment on Rodriguez's departure.

“He's not happy obviously,” Rodriguez said. “But it is my decision, and this is what I chose. It is nothing against (Beach) or Seabreeze.”

Rodriguez totaled 1,117 yards -- 925 rushing and 192 receiving -- and 12 touchdowns for Seabreeze in 2012. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder, who has offers from Memphis, Temple, Wake Forest and Boston College, figures to be one of the area's top senior prospects next season.

Rodriguez said he likes the idea of playing in Mainland's traditionally run-heavy offense -- something he said he was able to discuss for the first time with Buccaneers coach Scott Wilson Friday afternoon.

"(Wilson) just said he was excited to have me," Rodriguez said. "And we talked about the football program a little bit. He told me they work hard at Mainland, and that I have to be ready for that. But he said he knew I would work hard, and as long as I did that I'd be OK."

<p><b> DAYTONA BEACH </b> -- It appears one of the area's top prep football players will be wearing a different jersey next season. <ep></p><p>Trevaughn Rodriguez (5-10, 175), a first-team News-Journal All-Area tailback for Seabreeze in 2012, said he plans to attend Mainland and play for the Buccaneers next season. Rodriguez, who said he currently lives in Mainland's district, said he enrolled at the school at 2 p.m. Friday. <ep></p><p>“I have been thinking about transferring somewhere since last year," Rodriguez said. “My friends in New Smyrna wanted me to come there, and I had been thinking about that. But I wouldn't be able to see my daughter daily. This way, I can still see my daughter, and I can still see them. <ep></p><p>“The main reason why is I just needed a big change in my life,” he said. “I want a positive change, and I think being around positive people will make me a positive person. My best friend, Dwayne Copeland, plays for Mainland. I know he has my back, and he is going to push me hard. And I know Mainland football will push me extra hard. Going to Mainland, the way they train, I feel like they will make me five times better.” <ep></p><p>Rodriguez said he informed Seabreeze head coach Marc Beach of his decision. <ep></p><p>Beach said Friday morning that he did not want to comment on Rodriguez's departure.<ep></p><p>“He's not happy obviously,” Rodriguez said. “But it is my decision, and this is what I chose. It is nothing against (Beach) or Seabreeze.” <ep></p><p>Rodriguez totaled 1,117 yards -- 925 rushing and 192 receiving -- and 12 touchdowns for Seabreeze in 2012. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder, who has offers from Memphis, Temple, Wake Forest and Boston College, figures to be one of the area's top senior prospects next season. <ep></p><p>Rodriguez said he likes the idea of playing in Mainland's traditionally run-heavy offense -- something he said he was able to discuss for the first time with Buccaneers coach Scott Wilson Friday afternoon. <ep></p><p>"(Wilson) just said he was excited to have me," Rodriguez said. "And we talked about the football program a little bit. He told me they work hard at Mainland, and that I have to be ready for that. But he said he knew I would work hard, and as long as I did that I'd be OK." <ep></p>